SPRING FORWARD: COLLEGE DECISION SEASON IS HEATING UP!

EDITOR'S NOTE:

The world of college admissions never sits still — so in this edition we're breaking down the trends, headlines, and insights families should have on their radar.

From the eight education trends changing college admissions — including the growing role of AI, shifting testing policies, and what schools are really looking for in applicants — to a closer look at how AI is impacting classrooms and college essays, there's a lot families should understand as they navigate the process. We're also sharing one subtle essay tip: why overusing the em dash (—) can sometimes make an essay sound like AI wrote it.

We're also decoding a common admissions myth we hear all the time: is it actually okay to get a B? (Spoiler: yes.)

Plus, after a recent trip to Texas touring colleges with my two daughters, we're sharing a little Longhorn-inspired bed party inspo: Hook ‘Em style.

And because balance matters too, this edition's Wellness Corner includes a quick, college-friendly Tropical Sunshine Smoothie — an easy, vitamin-packed recipe perfect for busy students or a little spring break energy boost.

Before you dive in, a quick reminder that Daylight Saving Time begins today so don't forget to spring forward. One more sign that spring and college decision season is right around the corner.

✨ IN THIS ISSUE ✨

  • 🎓 8 education trends changing college admissions
  • 🤖 How AI is impacting classrooms and college essays
  • 📊 Do admissions officers check for AI?
  • 📚 College myth decoded: is a B really a problem?
  • 🧡 Bed party inspo: Hook ‘Em edition
  • ⏰ Don’t forget to spring forward
  • — Watch the em dash
  • 🍍 The College Wellness Corner

🎓 8 EDUCATION TRENDS THAT ARE CHANGING COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

For generations, the path to a respected university followed a predictable, if stressful, script. But the 2025–2026 admissions cycle is shaping up to be a period of historic upheaval. A “perfect storm” of policy reversals, technological disruption, demographic shifts, and legal mandates is fundamentally rewriting the rules of the game. For families, this creates a field of confusing paradoxes: test scores are back in vogue, yet over 1,800 colleges don’t want them. AI is reading your child’s essay, but they’ll be penalized for using it. And the number of applicants is at an all-time high, even as international students flee in droves. Here are the eight most critical trends redefining college admissions right now — and what they mean for the future of higher education. READ MORE HERE

🤖 IN-PERSON CLASSES AREN’T SAFE FROM THE AI CHEATING BOOM

Online courses have long bred fears of rampant academic dishonesty, exacerbated in recent years by the advent of increasingly sophisticated digital technology. But in-person courses may be just as vulnerable, according to one biology professor at Arizona State University who conducted an audit of her department’s class offerings. READ MORE HERE

📊 DO COLLEGE ADMISSIONS CHECK FOR AI? A CLEAR GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS

Applying to college is already challenging. Recently, concerns about artificial intelligence in application essays have added another layer of uncertainty. Many students are unsure whether universities actively screen submissions for machine-generated content. The truth is that some institutions use AI detection software as part of their evaluation process. However, technology is only one component of review. Human readers continue to make the final decisions. Understanding how the process works can help you avoid unnecessary mistakes. READ MORE HERE

— COLLEGE ESSAY TIP: WATCH THE EM DASH

Here’s a small thing admissions readers are starting to notice: essays packed with em dashes (—). There’s nothing wrong with using one occasionally, but AI writing tools tend to overuse them, which can make an essay feel a little… robotic. The takeaway? Write naturally, vary your punctuation, and make sure your essay sounds like you — not like AI.

📚 COLLEGE MYTHS DECODED

By College Blueprint

A dad called me the other day: “My son is getting a B in Calculus! He just can’t seem to bring up the grade. I am worried about his college choices! Can he still go to a good college?”

Deep breath, Dad. Your son is fine! He will still have excellent options. College admission is much more than grades…

Colleges are not admitting perfect students. They are admitting promising ones. And those are not the same thing.

What Colleges Actually Evaluate

Grades matter. But so does context. Admissions officers don’t read a transcript like a scoreboard; they read it like a story. Admission Officers look at:

  • Course rigor
  • Academic growth over time
  • Willingness to challenge yourself
  • Intellectual curiosity
  • School opportunities available to you
  • Balance between academics and commitments
  • Evidence of resilience

READ MORE HERE

🎉 BED PARTY SEASON

I took my daughters to see University of Texas last week (it was great!) and we posted this bed party inspo room. We got hundreds of comments and messages so want to share it again here! Reach out and we can send you ideas for any and all schools!

🍍 THE WELLNESS CORNER

Spring break is around the corner, which makes it the perfect time to share a quick, healthy college-friendly recipe. This Tropical Sunshine Smoothie is packed with fruit, easy to make in a dorm blender, and full of vitamin C — great for boosting energy and staying healthy during busy weeks.

Nutrition experts often recommend smoothies like this because bananas provide potassium, while mango and pineapple deliver vitamin C and antioxidants that support immunity and recovery after stress or travel.

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